Breastfeeding indicator bracelet with time indicator and method of use

ABSTRACT

A flexible nursing reminder bracelet fabricated from an elastomeric compound is reversible to indicate right and left and includes at least one movable time marker to indicate either total daily nursing time, finish time of the last nursing session, or start time of the next nursing session. One side of the bracelet is marked “RIGHT”; the other side, “LEFT”. If the outside indicates “RIGHT”, the indication can be changed to “LEFT” simply by flipping the bracelet inside-out. It can be returned to indicate “RIGHT” by flipping it again. The right and left indicators on the bracelet remind a nursing mother of which breast to use when initiating a feeding session. The flippable nature of the bracelet allows the nursing mother to keep track of this information on a single wrist. The flippable nursing reminder bracelet also has time indicators that can be read from either side.

This application has a priority based on provisional patent applicationNo. 60/593,629, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2005 and titledBreastfeeding/Nursing Indicator Bracelet or Wristband with TimeMeasuring Device and Method of Use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bracelets and wristbands, to indicators usedto monitor breastfeeding and, more particularly, to a bracelets orwristbands which incorporates time indicators used to monitorbreastfeeding.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Breastfeeding experts generally recommend alternating breasts from onefeeding to the next. Such a procedure reduces the probability that milkducts will become clogged and also assists in the development of anadequate milk supply. A number of brassieres and bracelets are availableto assist nursing mothers in keeping track of nursing schedules, totalfeeding time, and the breast from which the infant was last fed.Available brassieres and bracelets may provide one or more of suchfeatures.

There are many indicator devices which are designed to be used inconnection with a nursing brassiere. U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,734 to PamelaG. Schawel discloses a brassiere having a slidable indicator which canbe used to identify from which of the wearer's two breasts two breastsan infant was last fed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,812 to Clarence O. Babcockdiscloses a brassiere having an automatic nursing sequence indicatorthat is integral with the bra cups. Each cup has an attached, inwardlydisposed flap, which overlaps the flap of the other cup. The flap of thecup opened last for nursing lies so that it at least partially coversthe flap of the other cup, and points to the breast to be used for thenext feeding session. U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,739 to Michael Dutka, et al.discloses an indicator which may be worn on the brassiere of a nursingmother to indicate which breast was last used to feed an infant. Thedevice includes a cord having one end attached to the brassiere and asecond element which can be attached to either a right or left portionof the brassiere.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,391 to Ronald A. Juve, et al. discloses a resettableelectronic breastfeeding timer having a visual display. The displayindicates the duration of a nursing session, and also indicates whetherthe right or left breast was last used to feed an infant. An alarm,which can be programmed to signal the end of a nursing session, is alsoincluded.

Several suppliers provide bracelets that can be moved from one wrist tothe other to indicate which breast the infant fed from last. Thesebracelets have no time or hour indicators.

Unique Mums LLC, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based business founded in 2004 bySusan Lazor, Kirsty Ball and Diana Plunkett, manufactures abreastfeeding reminder bracelet which they call The Nursing Bracelet™.The bracelet is fabricated from beads of two colors. Light colored beadsare marked with hour markers 1 to 12. Four dark-colored beads made ofsemi-precious stones are placed between each pair of consecutive hourmarker beads and represent 15-minute intervals between the hour markers.According to advertising material published in connection with ads forthe product, the bracelet can be used in four ways: (1) By moving thebracelet from wrist to wrist, a mother can keep track of the breast fromwhich an infant was last fed; (2) By reattaching a removable markercharm to a particular time location on the bracelet (represented by thehour and 15-minute beads) the time of a last feeding can be recorded;(3) By attaching the marker charm to a particular time location, thetime of the next feeding can be recorded; and (4) By attaching themarker charm to a particular hour marker, the total number of feedingsin any single day or night can be recorded. In the latter case, the hourmarker beads are being used to represent a count rather than total time.

D.V. Family, Inc. supplies another type of nursing bracelet. Called aMother's Minder™ Bracelet by the supplier, the bracelet has a slidingindicator which can be moved by the wearer to indicate total feedingtime for the day.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least a portion of a nursing reminder bracelet is reversible toindicate right and left. The right and left indication may be written oneach side of the bracelet, or each side thereof may incorporaterecognizable, non-linguistic symbols, such as different colors, textures(i.e., smooth or rough), or patterns which change when the bracelet isreversed. A nursing mother may select one side of the bracelet toindicate from which breast her infant either last fed or will next feed.The bracelet may also include a device for logging time nursed from eachbreast, the time last fed from each breast, the time for the nextprojected feeding, or some combination of the three. For one embodiment,the device includes a linear scale on both sides of the bracelet and atleast one movable marker to indicate either total daily nursing time,finish time of the last nursing session, or start time of the nextnursing session. For a particular commercial embodiment being producedand marked by Milk Bands, LLC, one side of the bracelet is marked“RIGHT”; the other side, “LEFT”. If the outside indicates “RIGHT”, theindication can be changed to “LEFT” simply by flipping the braceletinside-out, which is accomplished by rolling either edge of the braceletover the other edge, and then transmitting the new conformation over theentire circumference of the bracelet. It can be returned to indicate“RIGHT” by flipping it again. Each side of the commercial embodimentalso includes a pair of parallel curvilinear time scales which span aportion of the circumference of the bracelet: one in minutes, from 0 to60, in 5-minute increments; the other in hours, from 0 to 12, in 1-hourincrements. Each time increment on each scale is provided with its ownaperture. Plugs provided with the bracelet can be inserted inappropriate apertures to indicate an accrued time or a time of day ornight. The scales on both sides are aligned and positioned back-to-back,so that the scale settings are the same on both sides. On theright-indicating side of the bracelet, the word “RIGHT” and the numbersof the time scales are in relief (i.e., embossed), while on theleft-indicating side of the bracelet, the work “LEFT” and the numbers ofthe time scales are engraved (i.e., inset in the surface). The right andleft indicators on the bracelet remind a nursing mother of which breastto use when initiating a feeding session. The embossed and engravedwriting on opposite sides of the bracelet enable a wearer who is eitherin the dark or blind to ascertain which side of the bracelet faces out.The flippable, or reversable nature of the bracelet allows the nursingmother to keep track of this information on a single wrist. As mostright-handed individuals typically wear a watch on the left arm, andmost left-handed individuals wear one on their right arm, this flippablenursing reminder bracelet can avoid conflicts with other jewelry worn bythe mother. The bracelet may be fabricated from a variety of elastomericcompounds, including silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, which isproduced from butadiene and styrene monomers, polybutadiene,polychloroprene butyl rubber, which is produced from isobutylene andisoprene, natural rubber, partially vulcanized natural rubber.Alternatively, the bracelet may be fabricated using a spring-loadedmetal expansion bracelet, such as the Twist-O-Flex® expansion bandmanufactured by the Speidel Corporation under a license granted by KarlEmil Stiegele of U.S. Pat. No. 2,689,450. This patent is herebyincorporated, by reference, in its entirety. The type of metal expansionwatch band disclosed in the '450 patent is noted for its ability to beflipped over and turned inside-out, as well as tied in knots.

The time scales of the present invention can be modified to employ othertime increments (e.g., 15-minute increments) and a 24-hour scale. Foranother embodiment of the invention, the bracelet is circumferentiallymarked with a single linear scale, including hour markings andpartial-hour markings between the hour markings. The bracelet isequipped with a slider that can be circumferentially moved about thebracelet to indicate an accrued time or a time of day. For still anotherembodiment of the invention, the bracelet is marked with one curvilinearrow of hour markings and another curvilinear row of minute markings. Onecircumferentially movable slider indicates hours; another movable sliderindicates minutes. For yet another embodiment of the invention, the endsof a flexible metal expansion band are pivotally attached to oppositesides of a mechanical or electronic timer preferably having multipleresettable functions. The pivotal attachment of the expansion band tothe timer enables the expansion band to be flipped over without flippingthe timer. The timer may incorporate various functions, such as aconventional watch display, a stop watch display for recording totalnursing time during a particular day, a counter display for recordingthe total number of feedings during a particular day, and a settablealarm function for alerting a nursing mother of pending breastfeedingsessions. A penultimate embodiment utilizes a metal expansion bandhaving its ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of a right orleft-indicating token, which may be flipped over to indicate right orleft sides. For this embodiment, it is not intended that the band bereversed—only the token. In its simplest form, the token can indicatenothing more than right or left. In another form, the token is adouble-sided mechanical or electronic timer. Each side of the timer isused for single breast accounting, which may include accrued time nursedon that side, the time of the last or next feeding, and so forth. Avariant of this embodiment utilizes a metal expansion band which issecured to a double-sided mechanical or electronic timer in aconventional manner, so that when the band is reversed, the double-sidedtimer is also. A final embodiment is a dual-function device thatutilizes a slidable cursor to indicate right or left side. Movable plugsor one or two slidable cursors can be used to indicate time values.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment breastfeedingbracelet, which is a single-function, reversible device that indicatesright or left;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment breastfeedingbracelet of FIG. 1, as installed on the right wrist of a wearer;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment breastfeedingbracelet of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in the process of being reversed by thewearer;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a second embodiment breastfeedingbracelet, which is also a single-function, reversible device thatindicates right or left, as determined by the direction the arrows facewhile being worn on a wearer's wrist;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment breastfeedingbracelet of FIG. 4, as installed on the left wrist of a wearer;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a third embodiment breastfeedingbracelet, which is a dual function, reversible device that indicatesright or left, as well as an accrued time or a time of day;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “LEFT” ofthe bracelet of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “RIGHT”of the bracelet of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the flat projection of FIGS. 7 and 8,with the side labeled “RIGHT” on top;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the flat projection of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an elevational side view of a marker plug, drawn generally toscale;

FIG. 12 is an elevational end view of the marker plug of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged elevational side view of the marker plug of FIGS.11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged elevational end view of the marker plug of FIGS.11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “LEFT”of a fourth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet, which is, a dual-functionreversible device that incorporates a pair of sliding cursors toindicate an accrued time or a time of day;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “RIGHT”of the fourth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the flat projection of FIGS. 15 and16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the flat projection of FIGS. 15 and16, taken through section line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of either of the sliding cursors seen inFIGS. 15-17;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “LEFT”of a fifth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet, which is a dual functionreversible device that incorporates a single sliding cursor to indicatean accrued time or a time of day;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a flat projection of the side labeled “RIGHT”of the fifth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the flat projection of FIGS. 20 and21;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the flat projection of FIGS. 20 and 21;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the sliding cursor seen in FIGS. 20-22;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of a sixth embodiment breastfeedingbracelet, which is a multifunction reversible device that incorporates atimer having at least one function;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the sixth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet ofFIG. 25, showing a configuration in which the side of the expansion bandlabeled “RIGHT” is facing outward;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the sixth embodiment breastfeeding bracelet ofFIG. 25, showing a configuration in which the side of the expansion bandlabeled “LEFT” is facing outward;

FIG. 28 is an elevational view of a seventh embodiment breastfeedingbracelet, which is a multifunction device incorporating a reversibletime having at least one function on each face;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the seventh embodiment breastfeeding braceletof FIG. 28, showing a configuration in which a dual-face, multi-functiontimepiece is turned so that the face labeled “RIGHT” is facing outward;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of the seventh embodiment breastfeeding braceletof FIG. 28, showing a configuration in which a dual-face, multi-functiontimepiece is turned so that the face labeled “LEFT” is facing outward;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of a flat projection of an eighth embodimentbreastfeeding bracelet, which is a dual function device having a firstsliding cursor for an accrued time or a time of day setting, and asecond sliding cursor for a right or left setting, with the lattercursor set on “L” for left;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a flat projection of the eighth embodimentbreastfeeding bracelet of FIG. 31, with the second sliding cursor set on“R” for right; and

FIG. 33 is an elevational view of the flat projection of the eighthembodiment breastfeeding bracelet of FIGS. 31 and 32, with the secondsliding curset on “R”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to theattached drawing figures.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 10 isa single-function, reversible device, which includes an annular band 12having a left-side indication 13 on an inner major surface 16 and aright-side indication 14 on an inner major surface 16. The indications13 and 14 can be printed or molded as raised or inset lettering on themajor surfaces 16 and 18. In one embodiment, the annular band 12 isfabricated from an elastomeric compound, such as silicone rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber (produced from butadiene and styrene monomers),polybutadiene, polychloroprene butyl rubber (produced from isobutyleneand isoprene), natural rubber, partially vulcanized natural rubber. Theelastomeric compount may incorporate a fluorescent, glow-in-the-darkmaterial. Alternatively, the annular band 12 is fabricated from cloth,fabric, stretchable fabric, or other woven material. As a furtheralternative, the annular band 12 is a spring-loaded metal expansionbracelet, such as the Twist-O-Flex® expansion band manufactured by theSpeidel Corporation under a license granted by Karl Emil Stiegele ofU.S. Pat. No. 2,689,450. This patent is hereby incorporated, byreference, in its entirety. The type of metal expansion watch banddisclosed in the '450 patent is noted for its ability to be flipped overand turned inside-out, as well as tied in knots. In any case, the majorsurfaces 16 and 18 of the annular band 12 must be capable of beingreversed by rolling the band 12 so that the inner major surface 16becomes the outer major surface, and visa versa. This reversible featureapplies to the first through seventh embodiments of the presentinvention. However, for the sixth and seventh embodiments, only aportion of the band is intended to be reversible.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the first embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 10of FIG. 1 is shown installed on the right wrist of a wearer 20, with themajor surface 18 of the annular band 12, having a right side indication14 facing outward.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the first embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 10is shown in the process of being reversed by the wearer 20. Reversal isaccomplished by flipping the annular band 12 inside-out, which isaccomplished by rolling either edge of the annular band 12 over theother edge, and then transmitting the new conformation over the aportion of band's circumference, most easily by running the thumb andindex finger of the free hand over opposite major surfaces 16 and 18 ofthe annular band 12, for at least a portion of its circumference, untilthe annular band 12 snaps into the desired configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 22is a reversible single-function device, which indicates right or left,as determined by the direction the arrows 24 face while being worn on awearer's wrist. Although the arrows on the inner major surface 16 pointin the same direction as the arrows on the outer major surface 18, whenthe band 12 is reversed, the arrows on both major surfaces 16 and 18point in the opposite direction. Other symbols may be used to indicateright and left, such as a different color or texture on each majorsurface 16 or 18.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the second embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 22of FIG. 4 is shown installed on the left wrist of a wearer 20, with thearrows 24 on major surface 18 of the annular band 12 pointing to theright. When the band is turned inside out, the arrows will point to theleft.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a third embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 23 isdual-function device. Reversible to indicate right or left, the bracelet23 has a first curvilinear scale for minutes and a second curvilinearscale for hours. By placing a marker in an aperture 28 of each scale, anaccrued time or a time of day can be indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the annular band 12 of an enhanced version ofthe third embodiment breastfeeding bracelet 23 of FIG. 6 has been cutand unrolled or flattened to provide a flat projection. In this view,the major surface 16 labeled “LEFT” is shown. It will be noted thatsufficient space on the annular band 12 exists to incorporate atrademark 701. The annular band 12 also incorporates a first curvilinearscale 702 for tracking minutes, and a second curvilinear scale 703 (inthis flat projection both curvilinear scales 702 and 703 appear aslinear scales) for tracking hours. The first scale 702, which tracksminutes, spans a full hour that is divided into twelve, 5-minuteincrements, plus a zero minutes position. The zero minute position andeach of the twelve, 5-minute increments is provided with aminute-marking aperture 704. The second scale 703, which tracks hours,is a twelve hour period divided into 1-hour increments, plus a zero hourposition. The zero hour position and each of the twelve, 1-hourincrements is provided with an hour-marking aperture 705. Although a24-hour scale (not shown) may also be used, a lack of space on theannular band 12 may make such a scale difficult to read. A marker plug706 may be placed in an one of the minute-marking apertures 704 and inone of the hour-marking apertures 705 in order to record an accrued timeor a time of day. It will be noted that, for the sake of example, afirst marker plug 706-1 has been inserted in the 25-minute position ofthe curvilinear minute scale 702, and a second marker plug 706-2 hasbeen inserted in the 3-hour position of the curvilinear hour scale 703.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the flat of FIG. 7 has been turned over to showa flat projection of the major surface 18 labeled “RIGHT”. It will benoted that the first and second scales are reversed in position so thatthe scales can be superimposed back-to-back. This enhancement to thebreastfeeding bracelet 23 of FIG. 6 enables the hour and minute markingsto remain unchanged when the bracelet is reversed. Thus, the first andsecond marker plugs 706-1 and 706-2 have the same relative positions andreadings whether major surface 16 or major surface 18 is on the outside.

Referring now to FIG. 9, this side view of the flat projections 700 and800 of FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively, is oriented so that the side labeled“RIGHT” is on top. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, thewriting on the side marked “LEFT” is inset or debossed, while thewriting on the side marked “RIGHT” is embossed. The profile of theembossed writing 901 on the upper surface can clearly be seen.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the embossed writing 901 can be seen in thisview as well. The cross-sectional hatching represents the cut which wasmade in the annular band 12 in order to provide the flat projections ofFIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a marker plug 706 is shown, drawn generally toscale. It will be noted that it is of generally dumbbell shape, so thatonce it is inserted in a minute marking aperture 704 or an hour markingaperture 705, it is held firmly in place by the mushroom-shaped heads1101A and 1101B of the marker plug 706.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an end view of the marker plug 706 of FIG. 11shows a decorative design that is molded into the mushroom-shaped heads1101A and 1101B.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the marker plug 706 of FIG. 11 is shown in anenlarged (about 14×) side view.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the mushroom shaped head 1101A or 1101B isshown in an enlarged (about 14×) end view.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a fourth embodiment breastfeedingbracelet 1500 is a dual-function device. Reversible to indicate right orleft, the fourth embodiment bracelet 1500 includes an annular band 1501having first and second major surfaces 1502-1 and 1502-2. Each majorsurface is endowed with a first curvilinear scale 1502 for minutes, asecond curvilinear scale 1503 for hours, and a cursor retainer groove1504 running between the two curvilinear scales 1502 and 1503, andextending the length thereof. The fourth embodiment bracelet alsoincludes a first sliding cursor 1505-1, which can be used to mark aminute position on the first curvilinear scale 1502 between 0 and 60minutes, and a second sliding cursor 1505-2, which can be used to markan hour position on the second curvilinear scale 1503 between 0 and 12hours. Each of the sliding cursors 1505-1 and 1505-2 has a C-shapedcross section (see FIG. 18), and is crimped onto the annular band 1501so that the opposed ends of each sliding cursor 1505-1 and 1505-2 ridein the cursor retainer groove 1504. As with the enhanced thirdembodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the first andsecond curvilinear scales 1502 and 1503 are reversed in position, andthe scales superimposed back-to-back. With this arrangement, eachsliding cursor 1505-1 and 1505-2 indicate the same minute or hourmarking, respectively, on both sides of the bracelet 1500. The firstmajor surface 1502-1 shown in FIG. 15 is marked “LEFT”, while the secondmajor surface 1502-2 shown in FIG. 16 is marked “RIGHT”.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in this side view of FIGS. 15 and 16, thesecond major surface 1601 faces up and the second sliding cursor 1505-2is visible on the left, while the first sliding cursor 1505-1 is visibleon the right.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in this cross-sectional view, the first andsecond cursors 1505-1 and 1505-2 are visible, with the opposed ends1801A and 1801B of the C-shaped of each of those cursors being crimpedinto the cursor retainer grooves 1504-A and 1504-B.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a sliding cursors 1505-1 or 1505-2 is shown.It will be noted that the cursor incorporates an upper window 1901-A anda lower window 1902-B, which frame the same selected minute or hourvalue on the upper and lower curvilinear minute scales 1502 and hourscales 1503.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a fifth embodiment breastfeedingbracelet 2000 is also dual-function device. Reversible to indicate rightor left, the fifth embodiment bracelet 2000 includes an annular band2001 having first and second opposed major surfaces 2002-1 and 2002-2,respectively, each of which is provided with a single curvilinear scale2003 that indicates an accrued time or a time of day up to twelve hours.A 24-hour scale may also be used, but the scale would be significantlycompressed. The single scale 2003 includes twelve hour markings 2004, inaddition to a zero hour marking. The single scale 2003 also includespartial hour markings 2005 between each hour marking. A single slidingcursor 2006 can be moved to designate an accrued time or a time of day.The first major surface 2002-1 shown in FIG. 20 is marked “LEFT”, whilethe second major surface 2002-2 shown in FIG. 21 is marked “RIGHT”.

Referring now to FIG. 22, in this side view of FIGS. 20 and 21, thesingle sliding cursor 2006 is visible.

Referring now to FIG. 23, is an end view of either end of the flatprojections of either FIG. 20 or FIG. 21. The single sliding cursor 2006is visible in this view. It will be noted that it is of generallyO-shaped cross section and includes a joint 2301, which is required toinstall it on a single piece band. If the annular band 2001 isfabricated by joining the ends of a flat strip, then no joint isnecessary.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the single sliding cursor 2006 is shown. Itwill be noted that the cursor incorporates an upper window 2401-A and alower window 2401-B, which frames the same selected accrued time valueor time of day on the upper and lower curvilinear scales 2003.

Referring now to FIGS. 25, 26, and 27 a sixth embodiment, multi-functionbreastfeeding bracelet 2500 has a reversible flexible expansion band2501 of the Twist-O-Flex® type referred to previously herein pivotallyconnected at both ends to a single-sided timer 2502 via first and secondpivotal joints, such as ball joints 2503-1 and 2503-2. The pivotalattachment of the expansion band 2501 to the timer 2502 enables thebracelet to be flipped over without flipping the timer 2502. For thisparticular embodiment, the mechanical or electronic timer 2502preferably has at least one resettable function for time accountingassociated with each breast, and optionally a conventional watch display2504. Resettable functions may include a stop watch display forrecording total nursing time during a particular day, a counter displayfor recording the total number of feedings during a particular day, anda settable alarm function for alerting a nursing mother of pendingbreastfeeding sessions. A first major surface 2505-1 of the expansionband 2501 indicates the right side, while a second major surface 2505-2indicates the left side. It will be noted that the timer shown in FIGS.26 and 27 includes a first display 2506-1 for time accounting associatedwith the wearer's right breast, and a second display 2506-2 for timeaccounting associated with the wearer's left breast.

Referring now to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 a seventh embodiment breastfeedingbracelet 2800 has an expansion band 2801 that is pivotally connected atboth ends to a double-sided mechanical or electronic timer 2802 orsimply a right/left-indicating token via first and second pivotaljoints, such as ball joints 2503-1 and 2503-2. Such a ball-jointmechanism is known in the art and is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No.1,160,616 to Harold L. Jeffery and Arthur W. Wadsworth. This patent isincorporated, by reference, in its entirety, in the present application.The pivotal attachment of the expansion band 2801 to the double-sidedtimer 2802 enables the timer 2802 to be flipped over without flippingthe expansion band 2801. For this particular embodiment, the mechanicalor electronic timer 2802 preferably has at least one resettable function2803 for each side thereof for time accounting for nursing from a singlebreast of the user, and optionally a conventional watch display 2804. Afirst side 2805-1 of the timer 2802 is marked to indicated the rightside breast, while a second side 2805-2 of the timer 2802 is marked toindicate the left side breast. The resettable function(s) 2803 of eachside of the timer 2801-1 or 2805-2 is used for single breast accounting,which may include accrued time nursed on that side, the time of the lastor next feeding, and so forth. For this embodiment, it is not intendedthat the expansion band be reversed-only the timer or token. In itssimplest form, the token can indicate nothing more than right or left.In another form, the token is a double-sided mechanical or electronictimer. Each side of the timer is used for single breast accounting,which may include accrued time nursed on that side, the time of the lastor next feeding, and so forth. It should be evident that without thewatch and timing functions, the timer 2802 is only aright/left-indicating token. A variant of the seventh embodimentbreastfeeding bracelet utilizes a metal expansion band which is securedto a double-sided mechanical or electronic in a conventional manner, sothat when the expansion band is reversed, the double-sided timer isalso.

Referring now to FIG. 31 to 33, an eighth embodiment non-reversibledouble-function breastfeeding bracelet 3100 employs a side-indicatingsliding cursor 3101 to indicate the right or left side breast of thewearer. Although this embodiment is shown in connection with the fifthembodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 20 to 24, which uses a singlesliding cursor to indicate an accrued time or a time of day, thisembodiment can also be used in combination with moveable time accountingpegs, as used in the enhanced third embodiment of the invention of FIGS.7 through 14, or in combination with the dual sliding cursors of thefourth embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 15 to 19. In FIG. 31, theside-indicating sliding cursor 3101 is moved so that the cursor 3101frames an “L” to indicate the right side breast of the wearer, while inFIG. 32, the side-indicating sliding cursor 3101 is moved so that thecursor 3101 frames an “R” to indicate the left side breast. It will benoted that a pair of raised buttons 3102 act as stops for the cursor3101 for the right side indication, while only a single button 3103 actsas a stop for the cursor 3101 for the left side indication. In this way,a wearer can determine the indication in the dark by feel.

Although only several embodiments of the invention have been disclosedherein, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the artthat changes and modifications may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

1. A breastfeeding indicator bracelet comprising a band having outer andinner major surfaces, said band being reversible by lifting an edgethereof and circumferentially rolling it so that said outer majorcylindrical surface becomes the inner and said inner becomes the outer,one of said major surfaces being identifiable with the right breast, theother major surface being identifiable with the left breast.
 2. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 1, wherein said band isannular, and is fabricated from at least one elastomeric compoundselected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, styrene-butadienerubber, polybutadiene, polychloroprene butyl rubber, natural rubber, andpartially vulcanized natural rubber.
 3. The breastfeeding indicatorbracelet of claim 2, which further comprises a time indicator whichspans at least a portion of the circumference of said band, said timeindicator being readable when either major cylindrical surface isexposed.
 4. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 3, whereinsaid time indicator comprises: first and second parallel curvilinearrows of generally evenly-spaced apertures, said first row indicatingmultiple portions of an hour, said second row indicating multiple hours;and a first movable plug which can be inserted within a single apertureof said first row to indicate a selected portion of an hour; and asecond movable plug which can be inserted within a single aperture ofsaid second row to indicate a selected number of hours.
 5. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 4, wherein each plug isdumbbell shaped.
 6. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 3,wherein said time indicator comprises: a plurality of evenly-spaced andaligned hour markings on both major cylindrical surfaces and a pluralityof partial-hour markings between the hour markings; and a cursorcircumferentially slidable about the band, said cursor being selectivelypositionable to indicate a time of day, a count, or a total accruedtime.
 7. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 3, wherein saidtime indicator comprises: first and second parallel circumferential rowsof evenly-spaced markers, said first row of markers indicating multipleportions of an hour, said second row of markers indicating multiplehours; and a first cursor circumferentially slidable about said band,said first cursor being selectively positionable to indicate a selectedportion of an hour; and a second cursor circumferentially slidable aboutsaid band, said second cursor being selectively positionable to indicatea selected number of hours.
 8. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet ofclaim 1, wherein said band is fabricated from overlapping metal links,each of which is formed from sheet metal that is crimped around a leafspring and interconnected at both ends to adjacent links via a pair oflinkage elements, each of which is biased against the leaf spring ofeach of the links which it interconnects.
 9. The breastfeeding indicatorbracelet of claim 8, wherein said band has first and second ends, eachof which is pivotally attached to opposite ends of a resettable timerincorporating at least a stop watch function for recording a total ofnursing times during a particular day.
 10. A breastfeeding indicatorbracelet comprising: an annular band having outer and inner majorsurfaces, said band being reversible by lifting an edge thereof andcircumferentially rolling it so that said outer major surface becomesthe inner and said inner becomes the outer, one of said major surfacesbeing marked to indicate the right breast, the other major surface beingmarked to indicate the left breast; and a time indicator which spans atleast a portion of the circumference of said band, said time indicatorbeing readable when either major cylindrical surface is exposed.
 11. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 10, wherein said band isfabricated from at least one elastomeric compound selected from thegroup consisting of silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber,polybutadiene, polychloroprene butyl rubber, natural rubber, andpartially vulcanized natural rubber.
 12. The breastfeeding indicatorbracelet of claim 10, wherein said time indicator having at least onecomponent which can be selectively moved to indicate an accrued amountof time, a time of day, or a count.
 13. The breastfeeding indicatorbracelet of claim 12, wherein said time indicator comprises: first andsecond parallel curvilinear rows of evenly-spaced apertures, said firstrow indicating multiple portions of an hour, said second row indicatingmultiple hours; and a first movable plug which can be inserted within asingle aperture of said first row to indicate a selected portion of anhour; and a second movable plug which can be inserted within a singleaperture of said second row to indicate a selected number of hours. 14.The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 13, wherein each plug isdumbbell shaped.
 15. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 12,wherein said time indicator comprises: a plurality of evenly-spaced andaligned hour markings on both major cylindrical surfaces and a pluralityof partial-hour markings between the hour markings; and a cursorcircumferentially slidable about the band, said cursor being selectivelypositionable to indicate a count or a total accrued time.
 16. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 12, wherein said timeindicator comprises: first and second parallel curvilinear rows ofevenly-spaced markers, said first row of markers indicating multipleportions of an hour, said second row of markers indicating multiplehours; and a first cursor circumferentially slidable about said band,said first cursor being selectively positionable to indicate a selectedportion of an hour; and a second cursor circumferentially slidable aboutsaid band, said second cursor being selectively positionable to indicatea selected number of hours.
 17. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet ofclaim 10 wherein said band is fabricated from overlapping metal links,each of which is formed from sheet metal that is crimped around a leafspring and interconnected at both ends to adjacent links via a pair oflinkage elements, each of which is biased against the leaf spring ofeach of the links which it interconnects.
 18. The breastfeedingindicator bracelet of claim 17, wherein said band has first and secondends, each of which is pivotally attached to opposite ends of aresettable timer incorporating at least a stop watch function forrecording a total of nursing times during a particular day.
 19. Abreastfeeding indicator bracelet comprising: an annular band made ofelastomeric material, said band having outer and inner major cylindricalsurfaces, said band being reversible by lifting an edge thereof andcircumferentially rolling it so that said outer major cylindricalsurface becomes the inner and said inner becomes the outer, one of saidmajor cylindrical surfaces being marked to indicate the right breast,the other major cylindrical surface being marked to indicate the leftbreast; and a time indicator which spans at least a portion of thecircumference of said band, said time indicator being readable wheneither major cylindrical surface is exposed, and said time indicatorhaving at least one component which can be selectively moved to indicatean accrued amount of time, a time of day, or a count.
 20. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 19, wherein said elastomericmaterial is selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, polychloroprene butyl rubber,natural rubber, and partially vulcanized natural rubber.
 21. Thebreastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim 19, wherein said timeindicator comprises: first and second parallel circumferential rows ofevenly-spaced apertures, said first row indicating multiple portions ofan hour, said second row indicating multiple hours; and a first movableplug which can be inserted within a single aperture of said first row toindicate a selected portion of an hour; and a second movable plug whichcan be inserted within a single aperture of said second row to indicatea selected number of hours.
 22. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet ofclaim 21, wherein each plug is dumbbell shaped.
 23. The breastfeedingindicator bracelet of claim 19, wherein said time indicator comprises: aplurality of evenly-spaced and aligned hour markings on both majorcylindrical surfaces and a plurality of partial-hour markings betweenthe hour markings; and a cursor circumferentially slidable about theband, said cursor being selectively positionable to indicate a count ora total accrued time.
 24. The breastfeeding indicator bracelet of claim19, wherein said time indicator comprises: first and second parallelcircumferential rows of evenly-spaced markers, said first row of markersindicating multiple portions of an hour, said second row of markersindicating multiple hours; and a first cursor circumferentially slidableabout said band, said first cursor being selectively positionable toindicate a selected portion of an hour; and a second cursorcircumferentially slidable about said band, said second cursor beingselectively positionable to indicate a selected number of hours.